Top 13 Cool and Fun Hotels in The US Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands are often termed ‘America’s Caribbean Paradise’, owing to their exquisite blend of pampering, undisturbed nature, and colonial history. Sprawling beaches known for their emerald waters and bright coral sand permeate the three islands, which celebrate diversity through a tapestry of West Indian, African, European, and American influences.

Jamming to the captivating rhythms of Calypso and Quelbe music, feeling the pulsating energy, tasting the delicious local cuisine, and casting your eyes on the stunning fusion of art and ocean – a visit to the Virgin Islands is to delight all the senses at once.

The islands house some of the world’s most awe-inspiring hotels, offering the perfect base to dive into the reef-ridden waters. From beachfront boutiques to chic illustrations of historical splendor, here are the best Cool and Fun Hotels in The US Virgin Islands (in no particular order)

Our Top 3 Best Cool and Unusual Hotels
1.
Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Partying
Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham
2.
King Christian Hotel l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Trendy Design
King Christian Hotel
3.
The Waves at Cane Bay l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Instagrammable Decor
The Waves at Cane Bay
Best For Partying

Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham

Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham - St Thomas - an exotic apartment hotel Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham - St Thomas - an exotic apartment hotel1 Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham - St Thomas - an exotic apartment hotel2

Kick off your flip flops and relax on the soft white sands of Water Bay – This stunning Margaritaville property awaits with a tropical breeze amid blazing sunsets and swaying palm trees.

Boasting elegant one- and two-bedroom suites that comfortably sleep two to six guests, you will be graced by a remarkable private balcony with sweeping panoramas, opportunities to dine right on the beach, and soothing moments by a glistening pool dotted by swinging hammocks.

Situated on the eastern end of St. Thomas, the island’s stunning beaches and epic water adventures are just a stone’s throw away from your peaceful sanctuary.

Pros

Overlooking the Water Bay

Restaurant with beach shack vibe

Outdoor pool with a hot tub

Rustic bar with beach hammocks

Cons

Breakfast not included

On the pricey side

Limited vegan options

Best For Trendy Design

King Christian Hotel

King Christian Hotel - a modern and cozy hotel King Christian Hotel - a modern and cozy hotel1 King Christian Hotel - a modern and cozy hotel2

This epic waterfront hotel overlooks Fort Christiansvaern from a 300-year-old fixture in downtown Christiansted, where the traditions and charm of the Danish West Indies come alive through stunning historical architecture.

Offering 46 fully remodeled rooms, custom-designed terra cotta flooring complements the bespoke furniture and floor-to-ceiling marble-clad bathrooms.

The beautifully landscaped pool and sundeck are embellished with a bountiful array of lounge chairs and tables with umbrellas, offering the perfect place to kick back and soak up the island charm.

Incredible snorkeling experiences await at Cay Beach, which can be accessed with a water taxi across the harbour from the hotel.

Pros

Charm of the Danish West Indies

Landscaped pool and sundeck

Snorkeling and water fun activities

Water taxi across the harbor

Cons

No microwave in rooms

Pets are not allowed

No parking available

Best For Instagrammable Decor

The Waves at Cane Bay

The Waves at Cane Bay - an informal seafront hotel The Waves at Cane Bay - an informal seafront hotel1 The Waves at Cane Bay - an informal seafront hotel2

This intimate oceanfront boutique is one of the cool and fun Hotels in The US Virgin Islands, it saw a full re-imagination in 2021, transforming it into a blissful sanctuary backdropped by towering coconut palms.

Each of the 11 air-conditioned suites evokes a unique charm and boasts full kitchenettes as well as private patios with direct ocean views, where you can sit out and listen to the soothing sounds of the waves crashing into shore.

Built directly on the water with a natural cave and endless St. Thomas views, once-in-a-lifetime snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities await.

The on-site restaurant AMA serves sustainable seafood and offers an open-air setting with two bars featuring handcrafted cocktails.

Pros

Seafront hotel with colorful decor

Private balconies with sea views

Grotto saltwater pool with sea life

Waterfront restaurant and bar

Cons

No room service

Extra charges for water

No elevator service

Best For Beachside Location

Lovango Resort and Beach Club

Lovango Resort and Beach Club - an elegant and serene seafront resort2

Lovango Resort and Beach Club - an elegant and serene seafront resort Lovango Resort and Beach Club - an elegant and serene seafront resort1

Relax among the lush tropical beauty of Lovango, where wraparound ocean views spark a breath-taking tropical atmosphere.

A boho-chic vibe is radiated effortlessly through treetop accommodations, freestanding glamping tents, and exclusive villas, where outdoor showers and bright accents pair perfectly with the island breezes.

Plenty of Cumaru wood seating areas allow you to relish the unobstructed cay views, and the luxe touches like mosquito nets that drape over the elegant bed frames showcases a design which pays homage to the island’s sultry ambiance.

If you like the sound of waking up hillside, grabbing your snorkel and jumping straight into a private stretch of ocean, then Lovango Resort is a must-visit sanctuary for you!

Pros

Treetop stay with boho-chic vibe

An outdoor swimming pool

Swish restaurant with a poolside bar

Continental breakfast served daily

Cons

Pets are not allowed

Fewer payment options

Extra beds not available

Best For Unique Stay

The Fred – Adults-only Hotel

The Fred - Adults-only Hotel - an ultra-chic resort1 The Fred - Adults-only Hotel - an ultra-chic resort2

Named after King Frederik V of Denmark, The Fred adds a flash of contemporary elegance to its 6 preserved historic structures, each with its unique personality and story.

Boasting 22 eco-friendly guestrooms, The Fred has received a plethora of awards, including the ‘Best New Boutique Resort’ by Caribbean Journal and ‘Best New Business/Spa’ by the readers of the VI daily news.

Here, guests can unwind on the beach or lounge next to one of two salt-water pools before enjoying a fruity cocktail in the view of a scintillating sunset. The ‘West Is Best’ reputation of Frederiksted is reflected elegantly in the barefoot chic restaurant.

Pros

Direct access to a private beach

Rooms with balconies or terraces

Sea and hillside views

Beauty salon and an outdoor pool

Cons

No on-site parking

Children not allowed

No cots

Best For Luxury

The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas

The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas - one of the most Instagrammable hotels in the US Virgin Islands The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas - one of the most Instagrammable hotels in the US Virgin Islands1 The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas - one of the most Instagrammable hotels in the US Virgin Islands2

This beloved St. Thomas masterpiece welcomes you to a new era of island-inspired elegance, ready to enchant you with Great Bay and verdant mountain views, as well as extensive water sports offerings.

An alluring sense of nautically inspired luxury is the result of an all-encompassing revamp, and the lavish rooms and suites boast one-of-a-kind views from pristine balconies.

Reflecting the charm of Caribbean culture, the on-site restaurants are designed to embrace local elements, with fresh, locally sourced delicacies set to let your taste buds run wild.

Against an awe-inspiring Caribbean sea backdrop, a gentle respite place is nurtured at the seaside enclave spa, which offers one of the most diverse selections of therapies and spa treatments in the Virgin Islands.

Pros

Airy rooms with bay views

Open-air eatery and Italian restaurants

Tennis courts and outdoor pools

Kids' club and Catamaran rentals

Cons

Not budget-friendly

No in-room coffeemaker

Best For Budget-Friendly

The Mafolie Hotel

The Mafolie Hotel - a Caribean-style hotel2 The Mafolie Hotel - a Caribean-style hotel2 The Mafolie Hotel - a Caribean-style hotel2

This independently owned St. Thomas hotel invites you to experience an unparalleled combo of luxury amenities, gourmet dining, and boutique services, catering to the budget-conscious traveller.

The Mafolie strikingly overlooks the harbour, town, and sea, owing to its impeccable location on the hillside. Through the hotel’s many stone & tile walkways and arched doorways, a quaint ambiance can be relished amid tropical greenery.

Ranked by Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine as one of the top value resorts in St. Thomas, a welcoming world of comforts enhances the lure of the palm-ridden setting, and the 22 rustic, character-filled guestrooms are decorated with tropical wood furnishings and artsy Caribbean accents.

Pros

Overlooks the harbor town and sea

A sleek outdoor swimming pool

Gourmet dining and on-site restaurant

Steak and seafood served

Cons

Slow internet connection

Some rooms are smalls

Early morning breakfast

Best For Views

Estate Lindholm

Estate Lindholm-an upscale and distinctive beach hotel3.jpgEstate Lindholm - an upscale and distinctive beach hotel1 Estate Lindholm-an upscale and distinctive beach hotel4.jpg

This intimate bed and breakfast is set among Danish plantation ruins dating back to the 1720s, offering a unique hospitality twist through timeless charm and simple elegance.

The lush green landscaping and remnants of the original buildings provide a spot of blissful solitude, and the 16 homey, island-style rooms evoke a vintage charm through bespoke decor.

Natural stonework, wrought iron gates, and flower-covered pergolas complement the historical elements, while the carved tropical woodwork is designed to offer an air of intimacy.

A bountiful array of quirky, garden-style nooks sprinkled ornately around the grounds offers ambient spots for reading and relaxing.

Pros

Rooms have garden or harbor views

Tropical gardens and an outdoor pool

Continental breakfast in dining room

Snorkel rentals are offered

Cons

No restaurant onsite

Children not allowed

Limited options for breakfast

Best For Longer Stays

Villa Nautilus St. Thomas

Villa Nautilus St. Thomas - a cool and trendy place to stay in US Virgin Islands Villa Nautilus St. Thomas - a cool and trendy place to stay in US Virgin Islands1 Villa Nautilus St. Thomas - a cool and trendy place to stay in US Virgin Islands2

A stay at Villa Nautilus will immerse you in a dreamy crystal cove experience you may never want to leave. The villas showcase the fruits of exceptional attention to detail, with three high-end units boasting comfortable and stylish furnishings and a first-rate concierge service on hand to draft up the perfect adventure itinerary.

The inspired design work evokes an air of luxury, with opulent materials and island charm forming the perfect home base from which to dive right into the turquoise splendor of St. Thomas.

Besides an on-site restaurant that serves tasty, locally inspired delicacies, the property boasts a BBQ area where guests can revel in the island charm and cook up their feasts with family and friends.

Pros

Outdoor pool and water sports

On-site restaurant with BBQ grill

Horse riding and snorkeling

Windsurfing and fishing

Cons

No airport shuttle service

Parties are not allowed

Pets are not allowed

Best For Boutique

St John Inn

St John Inn - a colorful, kitsch, and a fun boutique hotel to stay in the US Virgin Islands St John Inn - a colorful, kitsch, and a fun boutique hotel to stay in the US Virgin Islands1 St John Inn - a colorful, kitsch, and a fun boutique hotel to stay in the US Virgin Islands2 St John Inn welcomes you to a fresh Caribbean experience steeped in rich, historical grandeur. Just a five-minute walk from award-winning boutiques and charter boats, this budget-friendly hotel offers accommodations ranging from single rooms to two-room suites, some of which boast fully stocked kitchenettes.

Private villas are also an option for those who want to kick back in total seclusion with their own palm-lined outdoor seating area. On-site amenities include a lush poolside area with outdoor grilling options, and guests can take advantage of free snorkel rentals and a sunset happy hour.

Endeavoring to make your Caribbean experience second to none, a personalized service is offered to guests, adding a graceful charm to your once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

Pros

Free breakfast and happy hour

Outdoor pool with a sundeck

Free beach equipment for guests

BBQ area overlooking the ocean

Cons

Cots are not available

No restaurant on-site

No internet connection

Best For Bed & Breakfast

St Thomas Bnb on Sailboat Ragamuffin

St Thomas Bnb on Sailboat Ragamuffin incl meals water toys - a cool and unusual accommodation St Thomas Bnb on Sailboat Ragamuffin incl meals water toys - a cool and unusual accommodation1 St Thomas Bnb on Sailboat Ragamuffin incl meals water toys - a cool and unusual accommodation2

Treating lucky visitors to a distinctive hospitality experience aboard a 62ft classic sailboat, this exclusive B&B is furnished in solid golden teak, and boasts two exquisite private guest cabins with en-suites.

A celestial breeze flows through the extra-large overhead hatches and side ports, and the Captain will sail you to some untouched beaches before bringing you back to sunset cocktails on the foredeck.

This traditionally decorated boat offers the chance to engage in nearby happy hours, as well as opportunities to interact with some of the charming locals who characterize the island. Hop on board and see the corners of the islands that most tourists don’t get to!

Pros

Balcony with mountain views

Private beach with water sports

Enjoy snorkeling and fishing nearby

Outdoor pool and a sun terrace

Cons

Smoking is not allowed

No rollaway beds

No parking available

Best For Millennials and Gen Zs

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort All-Inclusive

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort All Inclusive - easily one of the coolest beach hotels to stay in the US Virgin Islands perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs Bolongo Bay Beach Resort All Inclusive - easily one of the coolest beach hotels to stay in the US Virgin Islands perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs1 Bolongo Bay Beach Resort All Inclusive - easily one of the coolest beach hotels to stay in the US Virgin Islands perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs2

This family-owned and operated beach resort is nestled in a pristine sandy bay in the heart of St. Thomas.

There’s no better place to see life in the Virgin Islands than at Bolongo Bay, with a delightful Caribbean band providing a light-hearted atmosphere.

The pool area is connected to a gorgeous white sand beach by a narrow patio area lined with comfy sunbeds beneath swaying palms. Your perfect tropical getaway will begin with a visit to the serene swim-up pool bar, where premium drinks and locally inspired cocktails can be savored.

The attentive staff presence is always on hand to ensure that the memories you create will last a lifetime!

Pros

Resort with balcony or patio

Sea views and direct beach access

Outdoor pool with swim-up bar

Water sports and regular entertainment

Cons

Not budget-friendly

Limited food choices

Parking needs reservation

Best For Couples

Sand Castle on the Beach

Sand Castle on the Beach - Adults Only - a tropical and laid-back hotel Sand Castle on the Beach - Adults Only - a tropical and laid-back hotel1 Sand Castle on the Beach - Adults Only - a tropical and laid-back hotel2

Lose yourself in the majesty of this mid-century jewel, where the joy of blue sky touching the azure waters and the serenity of refined well-being is brought to you in the form of swinging hammocks beneath soaring palms.

Situated on a stretch of white sand, steps from the historic town of Frederiksted, Sand Castle is an intimate boutique offering 5 room types.

From studios to beachfront villas, a stay here will melt your stresses away as you reconnect your body, mind, and soul. Seasonal fare and artisanal cocktails are combined amid the gentle ocean breeze of the seaside terrace restaurant, and the guided excursions are designed to enhance an adventurous spirit.

Pros

Villas with terrace and bay views

Beachfront cafe with a bar

Sleek outdoor swimming pool

Close to museum and waterpark

Cons

Adults allowed only

Only service animals allowed

No fitness center

Coolest Hotels in The US Virgin Islands

In the table below, we have compared the top 13 cool and unusual hotels in US Virgin Islands. You can sort the table based on different factors like location, distance from attractions, price per night, and restaurants nearby:

Hotel NameLocationPrice Range (per night)Fitness FacilitiesDistance to Attraction(km)Nearby Restaurants
Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham6080 Estate Smith Bay, 00802 Frydendal,$1228-$1616 (4 nights)Yes0.79
King Christian Hotel1102 King's Wharf, 00820 Christiansted$232-$464Yes0.213
The Waves at Cane Bay112C Cane Bay, 00851 Kingshill,$305-$428No0.37
Lovango Resort and Beach Club1 Lovango Cay, 00830 Cruz Bay$1586Yes2.613
The Fred605 Strand Street, St Croix, 00840 Frederiksted,$377-$579Yes0.16
The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas6900 Great Bay, 00802 Benner$876-$7644Yes0.48
The Mafolie Hotel7091 Estate Mafolie, 00802 Mafolie$143-$401Yes1.112
Estate Lindholm6B Caneel Bay, 00831 Saint John,$300-$340Yes0.915
Villa Nautilus St. Thomas6345 Estate Smith Bay, 00802 East End$1284-$1815 (3 nigts)Yes0.16
St John Inn277 Contant & Enighed, 00830 Contant,$215-$290Yes0.511
St Thomas Bnb on Sailboat Ragamuffin incl meals water toysS/V Ragamuffin, PO Box 303476, 00803 Water Island$400-$1000 (2 nights)Yes0.812
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort All Inclusive7150 Estate Bolongo, 00802 Bolongo$1890-$2190 (3 nights)Yes0.112
Sand Castle on the Beach127 Estate Smithfield, Frederiksted, 00840 Frederiksted,$549-$1247Yes0.110